Dumfries-based charity to mark LGBT History Month

Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus is coinciding its launch with LGBT History Month.

A Gay Gordons flashmob is among the commemorations taking place in Dumfries in the next few days to mark LGBT History Month.

The flashmob will be appearing in Dumfries High Street on Sunday, and is one of several events which will also be celebrating the official opening of Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus – a new charity formed a year ago, which is working to support LGBT+ people and to empower them to “engage more confidently with their communities”.

The charity will also be hosting various activities at its centre – named The Stove – at 100 High Street, Dumfries throughout the afternoon, with street dancing 2, 3 and 4pm (for which kilt wearing is strongly encouraged). The opening will also mark the launch of the new Pop-Up Freedom Café at the Stove.

Throughout Sunday, Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus will also be organising a packed programme of activities, which will include the following:

• a “visual history”, which will include an exhibition of artistic and literary creations from local LGBT+ people and their allies;

• a “human library” where volunteers will become ‘living books’ with whom the public can chat to to find out more about the experiences of local lesbian women, gay men, bisexual & pansexual people, transgender people, LGBT+ older people and LGBT+ disabled people. This will include stories about “coming out” and personal stories about the challenges of being LGBT+, especially when you are older, disabled, or in the military.

• a consultation in which people can tell the charity what they think the key priorities should be for the year ahead.

• There’s also something for the little ones – there will be a Kids’ Art Space with a colouring and artwork competition. Children will also be invited to create an LGBT+ awareness poster.

• A number of other organisations, such as LGBT Youth Scotland and the Terrence Higgins Trust, will have stalls and be on hand to talk about their work, answer questions and chat about LGBT+ issues.

Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus are one of many organisations recognising LGBT History Month, which occurs every February. LGBT History Month provides opportunities to remember the lives of LGBT+ people who are no longer with us, to celebrate achievements and contributions made by LGBT+ people and their allies, and to reflect on various LGBT+ issues – from the ongiong fight for legal equality to discussion surrounding complex questions of gender identity. It’s also a chance to share experiences, celebrate LGBT+ culture and stand in solidarity with LGBT+ people across the globe.

Belle Doyle, chair of Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus Board of Trustees, said: “We’re delighted to be running these events to recognise the proud achievements our region has made towards LGBT equality, as well as to celebrate the first birthday of our organisation. LGBT people have always been, and will always be an important part of communities of Dumfries and Galloway, and what better way to show that than holding celebration events of this kind?“We would love people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come along to celebrate with us, and to help us on our journey towards ensuring Dumfries and Galloway is a place which welcomes, values and supports all our citizens, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

On Monday, the charity will be screening Before Stonewall – the multi-award winning 1984 documentary film telling the story of the LGBT community in America prior to the Stonewall riots of 1969. The film will start at 6.30pm – entry is by donation and all are welcome, but as places are limited interested parties are advised to book by emailing info@lgbtplus.org.uk

On Tuesday, there will be a Bisexual and Pansexual Awareness Night, which will start at 6pm and will include a film and discussion.

Further information about these events or about Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus can be found on their website or their facebook page. The charity can also be contacted at info@lgbtplus.org.uk, or by telephone on 0800 020 9653.

About Andrew Page

Andrew is KaleidoScot's sports editor and photographer.
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